About this Unit
The 1st Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1/14th ACR) traces its origins to the formation of the 14th Cavalry Regiment in 1901, serving initially in the Philippines and on the Mexican border. During World War II, the regiment was reconstituted as the 14th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and later as the 14th Cavalry Group, participating in key European campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. In the Cold War era, elements of the 14th provided border security along the Fulda Gap in Germany as part of the U.S. Army's forward defense in Europe. The 1st Squadron has since continued its tradition of reconnaissance and security operations, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other modern missions.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Formation: The 1st Squadron, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (1/14th ACR) traces its lineage back to the 14th Cavalry Regiment, which was originally constituted on 2 February 1901 in the Regular Army.
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Philippine-American War: The 14th Cavalry Regiment saw early action in the Philippine-American War, performing pacification duties and patrolling hostile territories.
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World War II Service: During World War II, elements of the 14th Cavalry were reorganized as the 14th Cavalry Group (Mechanized) and landed in France in July 1944, playing a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge.
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Cold War Guardians: After World War II, the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment was deployed along the Fulda Gap in West Germany, tasked with reconnaissance and delaying Soviet advances during the Cold War.
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Border Patrols: The 1/14th ACR frequently conducted surveillance and patrols along the inner German border, becoming a symbol of American commitment to NATO defense.
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“The Fulda Gap Sentinels”: The 14th ACR earned the nickname "The Fulda Gap Sentinels" for their vigilance and readiness to respond to any Warsaw Pact incursion.
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Blackhorse Connection: In 1972, 1/14th ACR was inactivated and reflagged as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment—known as “Blackhorse”—continuing the legacy under a new banner.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a black horse's head and a gold background, representing both mobility and the cavalry’s historic role.
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Veterans’ Reunions: Former troopers of the 1/14th ACR have established active veterans’ associations, holding regular reunions and preserving the unit’s history and camaraderie.
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Legacy in Modern Armor: The traditions and tactics of the 1/14th ACR continue to influence modern armored cavalry doctrine and training within today’s U.S. Army armored units.
